“I never imagined the speaker of the House or a ranking senator would be involved in a prostitution ring,” Sam said, “or that one of the top candidates for president would murder the wife of the current president’s deputy chief of staff because she stopped providing information. I never would’ve thought a Supreme Court nominee would be gunned down by his own brother. Shall I go on?”

“No,” Hill said, his expression stony. “But this is Troy Hamilton we’re talking about.”

“I know,” Sam said with a sigh, “and I respect how shocking it is for you to hear this, but please don’t tell me it’s impossible that he had anything to do with it.”

“Fine, I won’t,” he said testily. “What’s your plan?”

“We’re going to find Josh Hamilton, make sure he’s safe and lean on the lab to get us those results ASAP,” Sam said. “After that, I don’t have a plan.”

“You’ll keep me posted?” Avery asked. “As a courtesy.”

Since she was technically suspended and not on the case in an official capacity, Sam glanced at Malone.

“We’ll keep you posted,” Malone said.

“And you’ll keep what we’ve told you here under wraps until we have cause to take this to Hamilton?”

“Yeah,” Hill said gruffly. “I won’t say anything. I’m going to take Shelby home. Let me know if you hear anything about Josh or the DNA.”

“We will,” Sam said.

He nodded and turned to leave the room.

“He’s in denial,” Skip said after they heard the front door close behind Hill.

“He worships Hamilton,” Malone said. “Most of the people who’ve worked for him do. He’s a magnetic, powerful leader who’s transformed the Bureau during his tenure as director. If the DNA is a match, we’re going to get huge pushback from the Feds on this, so we have to make sure our i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed every which way to next Tuesday.”

“The proof will be in the DNA,” Skip said. “His many fans can’t quibble with a match.”

“Hill is right about one thing,” Sam said. “If it gets out that we’re looking at Troy Hamilton for kidnapping before we have proof, and it turns out to be untrue, we’ll be screwed, glued and tattooed.”

“Let’s not allow that to happen,” Malone said.

Sam put up her hands. “I’m suspended. Not much I can do.”

“I want you on this behind the scenes,” Malone said, shocking the shit out of Sam. She hadn’t expected him to say that. “Josh Hamilton came to you once. Maybe he will again. If he does, you’re on the case.”

“And you’ll clear that with the brass?”

“I’ll take care of it.”